Translation
This Qur’an is not something that can be devised by anyone other than God; (furthermore) it verifies and confirms previous revelations and provides clear explanation of the book (of guidance), in which there is no doubt, coming from the Sustainer of the Universe! Do they say: He (the prophet) has forged it? Reply: (if so), then bring a chapter like this and seek help from anyone other than God, if you speak the truth?
They reject anything that they are unable (or unwilling) to comprehend while the final outcome [Ta’wil]is yet to come to them. Some of their previous generations behaved in a similar manner and you can see what their fate was due to their wrong doings. Some of them believe in this guidance and some of them do not believe in it. But your Sustainer God knows well those who are steeped in corruptions and mischiefs. 471
If they reject you [O Prophet], say to them: “My work is for me and your work is for you. I am not accountable for what you do, and you are not accountable for what I do.” Some of them do listen to you but how can you make someone understand who is [act as if] deaf? Some of them see you but how can you show someone the way who is [act as if] blind. God does not do injustice to people but they themselves do injustice to their own selves!
Interpretation
471 The Qur’an is from God, and the Prophet is not its author. This truth has been repeated in the Qur’an multiple times, and his close associates had witnessed the revelations that would come to the Prophet and the way such revelations took place. Those who cast doubt have been challenged to produce a similar chapter (surah) or the entire Qur’an in a number of places in the Qur’an itself, such as in 2:23, 11:13, 17:88, and 52:43. Moreover, the Qur’an confirms the existence of various previous revelations, such as the Bible and the Torah, and claims to be the final sequel of such revelations through the prophets of God, as Prophet Mohammad is declared to be the final prophet of God to come to humanity. This Qur’an had expounded for the last time the details of guidance and belief for humanity. Now it is our role in every generation to continue to expound on this guidance and nurture our social, political, economic, and spiritual norms in conformity with the divine guidance contained in the Qur’an for all generations.
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REFLECTION
Hearing and understanding are not the same thing. Similarly, understanding and making it part of our existence and community practices are not the same thing.
ACTION
Prophet Mohammad and his early followers had done a yeoman’s job to realize the teachings and guidance of God in their lives and in their communities and inspired generations to continue to build societies on these premises. The principles that are preserved in the Qur’an and new insights are being brought through expanding human knowledge and experience. We need to remain faithful to this vision and continue to evolve into better human societies and better human beings. The current trend seems to imply otherwise, that we need to be wary about and work hard to make course correction to bring back our dignity in this life and a safe haven in the life to come.
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Key Arabic Term
138. Ta’wil (Ref: 4:59, 7:53): final sequel; true and inner meaning of things (10:39)